Summary : This adventurous South Pacific voyage sails from Auckland to Port Vila, exploring the world famous Bay of Islands before sailing to the historic penal settlement of Norfolk Island and then on to the picturesque Isle of Pines. Experience the amazing Melanesian 'Ring of Fire' with visits to the volcanic islands of Anatom and Tanna, highlighted by an exciting evening excursion to the rim of the crater of the spectacularly active volcano, Mt Yasur. Then soak up the French flavor of Port Vila, Vanuatu, with convenient air access and accommodation for those leaving or joining the ship.

Activities : Birding, Culture, Snorkeling

PRICING

In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbours - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavors. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine.

Great Barrier Island is just 90km off the coast, with flourishing plant life and an impressive variety of bird life. Weather permitting, your Zodiac will land on a remote and pristine beach in Medland Bay.

On the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, enjoy your first taste of Aotearoa. Here a coastline of bays and white sandy beaches embraces a sea dotted with 150 islands. The Maoris believe that the Bay of Islands was originally discovered by their legendary navigator Kupe. This is where the Maoris first arrived, and not so long ago was a base for whalers, sealers and sailors, preparing the way for a fusing of Maori and European culture. It is famously known as being the home of the Treaty of Waitangi, the first official agreement between Maori and the British.

A shuttle bus will take you to explore Norfolk Island. This island is rich in history and culture from Captain Cook's discovery in 1774 to modern times. When the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788, Phillip ordered Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to lead a party of fifteen convicts and seven free men to take control of the island and prepare for its commercial development. They arrived on March 6, 1788.

Although much of the land has been cleared for cropping and pasture, the once-dominant Norfolk Island pines remain a notable feature of the landscape. The island has a wide variety of fauna, including geckos, bats, turtles, plentiful fish, and numerous seabirds.

Before European colonization, most of Norfolk Island was covered with subtropical rain forest, the canopy of which was made of Norfolk Island Pine. Historic attractions include museums, the penal settlement and the culture arising from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who settled on Norfolk after the mutiny of the HMS Bounty.

Known as Kunie to its Melanesian inhabitants, the island is part of the French-Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Today there are roughly 2,000 inhabitants, 95% of whom are Melanesians or Kanaks. The indigenous Kunie people are comprised of eight tribes, characterized by independent traditions, cultures and social ideals, each with their own 'little chief' and governed as a whole by a High Chief.

Anchor in Kuto Bay, famous for its beautiful white sand beach.Wander the island, meet the French speaking local, or swim in the azure waters of the bay. Explore the ruins of the convict settlement that housed 2,000 deported prisoners in the 1870's.

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking from a brilliant white sand beach, or perhaps explore the small and picturesque township of Kuto. A local culture group will perform during your visit.

Anatom Island, also called Aneityum, is the southernmost island of Vanuatu. Volcanic in origin, it rises from the fertile coastal plain and valleys to a height of 2,795 feet (852 m). Anatom has a current estimated population of 550 but is believed to have had a population as large as 12,000 prior to the arrival of the Europeans in 1793. Anatom was a center of sandal wooders, whalers, and missionaries in the 19th century, where its valuable stands of kauri pine were once exploited. The introduction of European diseases and black-birding are believed to have been the primary factors of the island’s depopulation. Stone ruins on Anatom Island once housed the largest missionary church in the southern hemisphere.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs and beaches. Swim and snorkel to view the beautiful coral reefs or just relax on the white sand beaches.

As your ship approaches Port Resolution, you will catch sight of the island's active volcano, Mount Yasur. The optional expedition to this remarkable erupting landmark will be truly memorable. Other activities include guided village tours, cultural performances, soaking in hot pools and swimming from the beach. Tanna is also known for the Jon Frum religious movement, and is the origin of the region's Cargo Cults. Since World War II, the local believers expect Jon 'Frum' America to bring wealth from over the sea.

Disembark at Port Vila, the capital and largest town of the republic of Vanuatu. Located on Mele Bay on the southwest coast of Efate, Vila is a port and the commercial center of the island group.

In the 19th century, French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. The town is French in appearance, but the population is multinational, including British, French, Vanuatuans, and Vietnamese.

Orion

Overview : Orion was purpose built in Germany where she was designed specifically for expedition cruising. She is equipped with the latest in seafaring technology including large retractable stabilizers (for maximum comfort), sonar, radar and the highest classification of ice strengthened hull (before an ice breaker). Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. Her luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for by a crew of 75. Public areas include a gymnasium and health spa, library with Internet access, lecture theatre, boutique and salon and a glass elevator services all decks.

Cabin Description : Every room offers you ocean views, room to relax during the day and a choice of either queen or twin bed sleeping arrangements. All of the Staterooms and Suites have the same high standard of amenity. The marble bathrooms are well appointed with toiletries, fluffy towels and robes. All rooms offer conveniences such as ample storage space, complimentary 24-hour room service, a flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connectivity, a personal safe, hairdryer and a mini-refrigerator continuously stocked with complimentary bottled water.

Deena D.

Melanesian Discovery

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

What a great experience traveling on this amazingly beautiful ship with such a friendly and professional staff. The expedition team was outstanding and answered all our questions about the area, flora and fauna with interesting lectures and history of the area.

Visiting islands where locals seldom see white people, and seeing how primitive this part of the world remains, was an eye-opener. They seemed to be as interested in us as we were in them. I could have happily stayed onboard and visited all these great out-of-the-way places still unspoiled by the modern world while enjoying the 5+ star service the ship provides every passenger. We had an amazing and memorable trip. I can't wait to travel on the Orion again!

David B.

Spice Island Adventure

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

I would like to thank Orion for a wonderful Spice Island Expedition! Wonderful to travel with, such a great team onboard the Orion. I could not have asked for better! We caught up with old friends and had many laughs, and some nights we danced the night away. May I never travel on any other ship than ORION.

Truus B.

Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

The highlight of this trip was the people and the out-of-the-way places we visited. Most excursions were well organized and informative, but we were disappointed with some aspects of the Mudman tour in relation to the cost. Snorkeling was great even when it was raining! Walking the volcano near Rabaul was eery and amazing!

Service on board was excellent and food plenty and of good quality considering the length of the journey.

David B.

Melanesian Discovery

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

What I wanted out of this expedition was real adventure and boy did we get it! The first three days were spent getting to know our fellow passengers and enjoying the fantastic ship and the crew. Then, once we reached land the real adventure started!

I have never been so dirty and wet, but what fun climbing an active volcano, swimming in warm waters, and some of us dancing with the local people. After a full day's adventure, we would arrive back on Orion, clean up, and get ready for a great evening in five-star comfort. What more could I ask for? At the end of the expedition, all I could think about was doing it again next year. Thank you, Orion, for a trip of a life time.

Chris P.

Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

Just wanted to say what a special experience I had travelling through Papua New Guinea on Orion. We visited some of the most fascinating islands and experienced the raw and real culture of Papua New Guinea. Places that I have only read about were brought to life and I feel very lucky to have been part of such an exciting expedition.

All this was made possible by the ship and its fabulous crew and was enhanced by the warmth and hospitality of my fellow adventurers. An unbelievable experience!

Sandy M.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

The whole trip was incredible. I couldn't have dreamed up a better holiday. The staff, the ship, the food, everything five-star all the way. I gave the trip 99.99 out of a 100!

Mal H.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

Fabulous trip! Not cheap, but excellent value for money. Great scenery, with the guides making everything more interesting through their explanations.

Carolyn H.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the Orion, we could not fault the service and friendliness, it was 110% from the time we arrived at the port in Darwin until we departed at Broome. Each day seemed to get better and better. This was a long awaited trip after just retiring and we could not have wished for a better experience.

We have been singing the praises of the Orion to everyone we meet and keep viewing our photos to remind us of the fabulous time we had.

Michael M.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

We didn't know what to expect with our Kimberley trip but, wow, it was just wonderful! To see part of Australia we had never been to was a highlight of our travels. The best way to do it was onboard the Orion, the fantasic crew and the food out of this world!

David B.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

We love sailing onboard Orion and could not have imagined a better way to spend my 40th birthday!!! Once again, everything was perfect. Thank you to the Orion staff and crew!

Melanie B.

Melanesian Discovery

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

I am currently onboard Orion almost at the end of a truly fantastic Melanesian and Solomon Islands Expedition. We started in Auckland and spent the first few days at sea where the time just seemed to fly as we enjoyed the wonderful Orion experience on a beautiful ship being served by wonderful staff and enjoying lectures on different subjects by experts who were very interesting.

We visited a volcano on Tanna Island and visited villages where marveled at the innocence and excitement of the locals as we arrived. We snorkeled at Marova Lagoon, had a beach BBQ at Kennedy Island, watched dolphins play near our Zodiacs, and so it went on and on! Unfortunately for me, my expedition ends in Rabaul the day after tomorrow--but it has been an experience I will always remember.

Diana N.

Kimberley Expedition

Luxury Expedition Ship
Orion

Wonderful service and staff! This was my first cruise and I really had a wonderful time. I thought I'd be unable to do certain activities, but the Orian crew were very caring. All the staff were very attentive.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% of fare required to confirm reservation

Final Payment: Due 100 days prior to departure

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover)

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received by the shipping company and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Penalties:121 days and more: $1,000 per person (Antarctica only)120-91 days: Loss of deposit90 days or less: 100% of fare

Deck 5 – Queen or twin beds, separate bedroom, living room, sliding glass doors to small French Balcony (#509 has two large windows instead of balcony. #502 has the living room space incorporated into the bedroom and has a large bathroom with bathtub). Approx. 345 sq. ft.